After a second place finish at the St. John’s Invite on April 27-28, the Gustavus Men’s Golf Team returned home to host the Bobby Krig Invitational for their final event of the season this past weekend from May 3-4.
That Friday and Saturday, the Gusties welcomed a quadrangular that included St. Thomas, Bethel, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to Le Sueur Country Club.
Coming into the event, First-year Jacob Pedersen paced the Gusties with an average score of 73.3. Pedersen has had an exceptional rookie campaign, earning medalist honors at the MIAC Championships last fall.
Junior Ben Hauge and Sophomore Max Ullan have also had strong seasons, posting averages of 74.3 and 75.8, respectively.
The top five was rounded out by Sophomore Carter Czichotzki and Senior Thomas Carlson, who averaged 77.9 and 79.1.
This meet was special for the Gusties, as it marked the final competition for the team’s two Seniors Thomas Carlson and Blake Heiman.
“It was a great weekend for a number of reasons. First and foremost we got to celebrate the final rounds of the collegiate careers of Blake and Thomas. These two have given their heart and soul to the program and their teammates, and for that we are very thankful,” Head Coach Scott Moe said.
On Friday, April 27 the Gusties tallied a total of 300 across their top lineup, with Pedersen shooting the low score of 73. Carlson added a strong round and finished with a 74.
Foley took advantage of his opportunity on day one and carded a 75, while Hauge and Ullan scored 78 and 79, respectively.
First-year Sam Skaar competed as an individual and carded a first round total of 74.
After the first day, the Gusties sat five strokes behind the leaders from UW-Eau Claire, who tallied 295.
The Gusties came out hot on day two and rallied to erase their deficit.
“The team put together a great final day, [Hauge] birdied his last three for a 69 and [Ullan] birdied his final two for a 70,” Coach Moe said.
As mentioned, Hauge scored a 69 in his second round which marked the second lowest score of the weekend and benefitted both the team and his individual standing.
Jacob Pedersen remained consistent and carded a 74 on day two, tieing Hauge with a two-day total of 147. The two Gusties earned a share of second place for their efforts.
Ullan’s two-under second round also gave the Gusties a boost, and his total score of 149 was good for fourth place overall individually.
Foley and Carlson carded totals of 80 and 83, respectively. As individuals, Foley tallied a 155 which was good for 16th place and Carlson finished with 157 for a tie for 22nd finish.
Czichotzki, also competing as an individual, carded a 73 on day two and his two-day total of 152 was good for a share of eighth place.
Skaar trailed him by just one stroke, and finished with a 153 that earned him a tie for tenth place.
Lastly, Senior Blake Heiman carded a 75 in his first round but did not compete on day two of the event.
“[Hauge] and [Pedersen] both shot super well to tie for second overall and we tied a very strong Eau Claire team to finish first for the first time this season,” Moe said.
As mentioned above, this meet marked the final competition for this year’s team. “It’s always tough to finish without advancing to the postseason but we couldn’t be more proud of the effort and how this group practiced and competed like a team. That was all possible because of great leadership from our captains [Heiman] and [Ulland],” Moe said.
For his efforts last weekend, Hauge earned MIAC Men’s Golf Athlete of the Week honors.
While Seniors Heinen and Carlson will be missed, the Gusties will return as a strong cohort of underclassmen along with standout athletes Hauge and Pedersen.